Reviewed by Dr Samantha Miller MB ChB
(2017, University of Glasgow)
GMC number: 7561464
Information last reviewed 23/05/2021
Spedra (avanafil) is a prescription medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction. It is a relatively new, fast-acting treatment that works in combination with sexual stimulation to help men achieve and maintain an erection for long enough to engage in sexual activity.
Spedra contains the active ingredient avanafil. Avanafil is a type of drug known as a PDE-5 inhibitor. This means that it works by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the penis. During sexual stimulation, Spedra helps a man achieve and maintain an erection.
Spedra is proven to be an effective treatment for ED in the majority of users. Data from clinical studies showed that 58% of men who tried to have sex after taking 100mg of Spedra were successfully able to.
Spedra (avanafil) has a faster absorption rate than other PDE-5 inhibitors, such as Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil) and Cialis (tadalafil). It can become effective in just 15 minutes reaching maximum effect within 30–45 minutes. However, Spedra is absorbed more slowly if consumed with a fatty meal, so the effects could be slightly delayed.
Often, ED has a psychological cause, such as anxiety or depression. In these cases, counselling can be an effective treatment. This approach can take time and Spedra may be recommended for use in the short term, although it is important not to allow treatment to mask the problem.
Dose |
No more than 1 tablet, once per day, at least 15 minutes before sexual activity |
Type of Medicine |
PDE5 inhibitor |
Mechanism |
Blocks the action of PDE5, which allows blood vessels around the penis to relax and allow greater blood flow |
Available Size |
4, 8, 12 16, 24 or 32 tablets |
Available Strengths |
50mg, 100mg or 200mg |
Active Ingredient |
Avanafil |
Price |
From £4.78 per tablet |
Side Effects |
Can include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, feeling dizzy, sleepy or tired, back pain, palpitations, indigestion, blurred vision, raised liver enzyme levels |
The active ingredient in Spedra is avanafil.
The inactive ingredients in Spedra are mannitol, fumaric acid, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose low substituted, calcium carbonate, magnesium stearate and yellow iron oxide (E172).
Spedra can be started at any convenient time. It may take a while for your body to adjust and for the effects of Spedra to take effect. You are recommended to trial Spedra several times over the course of a few weeks to find out if it’s effective for you. If you experience some effect from Spedra, but the effect is not enough for sex, speak to your doctor about increasing your dose.
Swallow one Spedra tablet with water approximately 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity, or at least 30 minutes before sexual activity if you are taking a 50mg dose. If taken with food, particularly a heavy or fatty meal, Spedra can take longer to become effective. Spedra only works in combination with sexual stimulation. Do not take more Spedra than you should, as this will increase the risk of side effects and will not increase its effectiveness.
The recommended starting dose of Spedra is 100mg no more than once per day. This can be reduced to 50mg or increased to 200mg by a doctor if you feel that your dose is too strong or too weak.
Spedra should be taken between 15 and 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity to be effective. When you become aroused, Spedra will aid your ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Like all medications, Spedra can cause side effects in some patients. If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking Spedra and seek immediate medical help:
Up to 1 in 10 people may experience headaches, flushing or nasal congestion while taking Spedra.
Less common side effects, affecting up to 1 in 100 people, include:
Rarely (1 in 1,000 cases) the following side effects may occur:
Do NOT take Spedra if you:
Take particular care with Spedra and inform your doctor if you:
Do NOT take Spedra in combination with:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including those purchased over the counter without a prescription. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking:
Some patients report feeling dizzy when taking this medication and it is recommended to limit your alcohol intake in this event. Drinking alcohol can also inhibit your ability to get an erection and prevent you from experiencing the full effects of Spedra.
Spedra can cause dizziness and disturbances to vision. If you experience either of these side effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
The root cause of ED is often psychological. Finding ways to reduce stress in your life can be extremely beneficial, as can maintaining a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly. Anxiety may also contribute and can be further exacerbated by difficulties with sexual performance. Being open with your partner about your anxieties can help you to relax and improve your sexual performance. For advice on dealing with anxiety or depression, speak to a doctor or nurse.
Spedra is the most recent prescription treatment for ED and stands out for its short activation time of just 15 minutes. The first and most popular treatment for ED is Viagra (sildenafil), which was approved in 1998. Since then, other PDE-5 inhibitors have been developed, including Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil). Viagra and Levitra can remain effective from up to 5 hours, while Cialis remains active for up to 36 hours.
Different ED treatments are better suited to different people, and it is not uncommon to try a few different treatments to begin with. If Spedra does not work for you, speak to a doctor about alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Spedra is not a cure for ED, but it can help you achieve and maintain an erection. The underlying cause, whether it is physical or psychological will not be treated by taking Spedra. In ED with a psychological cause, Spedra can help to relieve some of the stress and worry associated with performance issues in the short term.
Spedra only works in combination with sexual stimulation, helping a man achieve and maintain an erection when he is aroused. A very rare side effect of Spedra is a prolonged and sometimes painful erection. If you experience this, stop taking Spedra and seek immediate medical care.
Prices from:
Generic Viagra
Generic Cialis
Over the counter treatment
Effective for up to 5 hours
Effective for up to 4 hours
For daily or intermittent use
Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
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